Caps’ Michal Neuvirth says he’s ‘ready to go’

Goaltender Michal Neuvirth was smiling while sitting at his locker, almost for the first time since returning to North America. First he got the flu, then he watched as Braden Holtby started the first two games of the Washington Capitals’ season.

But Neuvirth knew he was starting Thursday night against the Montreal Canadiens, his first game since Dec. 30.

“I feel cold, but, you know, this is [the] job I picked and I got to handle it. I’m trying to stay positive and happy,” Neuvirth said. “I felt good during the practice today and I’m ready to go.”

Neuvirth played for HC Sparta Praha in the Czech Extraliga during the NHL lockout. The 24-year-old put up impressive numbers, but goaltending coach Dave Prior noticed something off in Neuvirth’s game as soon as training camp began.

“When I showed up, Dave knew right away I was playing too deep. He called it ‘European hangover,’” Neuvirth said. “I worked at it, the puck’s hitting me, so that means I’m in the good [position].”

Neuvirth, who’s 4-1-0 with a 1.82 goals-against average and .939 save percentage against the Canadiens, might need a little time to shake off rust.

He said the key will be focusing for 60 minutes.

“Every game is a different. You always try to focus on yourself,” Neuvirth said. “The job is simple: just stop pucks.”

Carlson lacking ‘focus’?

Defenseman John Carlson had a penalty and a couple of other mistakes that led to goals in Tuesday’s loss to the Winnipeg Jets. On Wednesday, he offered some self-criticism.

“It wasn’t my best, but it’s not the end of the world,” Carlson said. “We’re in Game 2 and I think me and Karl [Alzner] both felt that we didn’t really do all that we could out there.”

Assistant coach and ex-Caps defenseman Calle Johansson praised Carlson as one of the best defensemen in the NHL. But he spoke of a need to focus.